Gary Seal uses a snow blower to help clear a path for a car trapped in Racine, Wis., Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, while Kaleb Miller, 17, and Ben Jarvis, 18, use their shovels to break up ice underneath the car's tires. Snowplow drivers had trouble keeping up with the snow in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where some areas got as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters). Chicago-area commuters woke up to heavy snowfall, with more than 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) already on the ground. In Michigan, non-essential government offices were closed, including the Capitol. (Adam Rogan/The Journal Times via AP)

Whitmer said Tuesday her move will harness government resources and ensure the public "understands the seriousness" of the once-in-a-generation cold snap. She visited the Christo Rey Community Center in Lansing — a warming house for residents.

Whitmer has also activated the State Emergency Operations Center. It coordinates response efforts by state agencies and local governments during emergencies.

Wind chill factors may drop to as low as negative 45 degrees from Tuesday night through Thursday morning. Michigan State University has suspended Wednesday classes. Some Grand Rapids-area highways were closed Tuesday due to pileups.

Gary Seal uses a snow blower to help clear a path for a car trapped in Racine, Wis., Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, while Kaleb Miller, 17, and Ben Jarvis, 18, use their shovels to break up ice underneath the car's tires. Snowplow drivers had trouble keeping up with the snow in Minnesota and Wisconsin, where some areas got as much as 15 inches (38 centimeters). Chicago-area commuters woke up to heavy snowfall, with more than 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) already on the ground. In Michigan, non-essential government offices were closed, including the Capitol. (Adam Rogan/The Journal Times via AP)